Payload container for unmanned system delivery

ABSTRACT

A payload container for delivering canisters having payloads is provided. The payload container includes an open end and a closed end. The open end is configured to couple to a terminal end of a tube of a pneumatic delivery system to receive or provided a canister. The payload container further comprises a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end of the payload container and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of the payload container. The open end is configured to couple to an air hose outlet of the pneumatic delivery system, which delivers air into the payload container to push the canister into the pneumatic delivery system tube. A depressed landing platform aids in guiding an unmanned aerial vehicle, having a payload container, into a position where a canister can be delivered to or from the pneumatic delivery system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/171,336, filed Apr. 6, 2021, entitled “Pneumatic Platform and Payload Containers for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.” This application further claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/237,392, filed Aug. 26, 2021, entitled “Pneumatic Platform and Payload Containers for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.” Each of the aforementioned applications is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are used to deliver goods. Some logistics companies have recently started to commercially deliver parcels using UAVs, sometimes referred to as “drones” for short. The majority of deliveries performed by UAVs include relatively small, light parcels.

One current use case for UAV delivery involves delivering critical medical supplies or lab samples. UAVs have significantly reduced the delivery time historically experienced through traditional delivery methods. This has resulted in the faster processing of lab samples and more rapid deployment of critical medical supplies during emergencies.

SUMMARY

At a high level, aspects described herein relate to a payload container for delivering items using a UAV and a pneumatic delivery system.

A payload container comprises an outer wall that surrounds a chamber and forms an open end and a closed end of the payload container. The payload container is configured to receive a canister at the open end and position the canister within a chamber of the payload container. The canister can be used to contain items that are delivered using the payload container. In doing so, the payload container can be coupled to a UAV, and the payload container can release or retrieve the canister from the pneumatic delivery system.

To aid in receiving or releasing the canister to the pneumatic delivery system, the payload container comprises a bumper at the closed end, at which the canister contacts and comes to a rest within the chamber of the payload container. At the open end, the payload container comprises one or more retaining members. The retaining members are biased toward the center of the payload container as defined by the outer wall, which is cylindrical in many cases. Once the canister passes into the chamber, the retaining members hold the canister within the chamber due to the bias. The retaining members can be depressed against the bias to release the canister into the pneumatic delivery system.

This summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the technology will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or learned by practice of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example payload container, in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the payload container of FIG. 1 carrying an example canister, in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a payload container receiving a canister from an example pneumatic delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the payload container providing the canister to example pneumatic delivery system of FIGS. 3A-3C, in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5 is another example payload container operationally coupled to a UAV for delivering a canister, in accordance with an embodiment described herein; and

FIG. 6 is an example pneumatic delivery system having a depressed landing platform for a UAV to align a payload container for delivery of a canister to the pneumatic delivery system, in accordance with an aspect described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted, UAVs and other unmanned systems have been used to deliver parcels. One challenge for delivering parcels with unmanned systems is how best to load parcels onto such systems. This is particularly the case with UAVs, which many times carry smaller loads. Thus, many UAVs are loaded with individual parcels or only a few parcels for delivery. It can be challenging to continually load UAVs by hand, especially for high volume delivery companies utilizing UAVs.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods that use a payload container for delivering payloads. The payload container can be coupled to UAVs to facilitate the automatic loading and unloading of payloads, such as canisters carrying items for delivery. While described in the context of UAV delivery, it will be understood that the payload container, and other systems described herein, can be used by other unmanned or manned delivery systems.

One example payload container is coupled to a UAV and comprises an open end and a closed end. The payload container can receive a canister into the open end, thus allowing the canister, and any items inside, to be delivered by the UAV. The payload container may further comprise a bumper at the closed end. As the canister is received within the payload container, the canister moves into a chamber of the payload container, contacts the bumper, and comes to rest within the chamber of the payload container.

To further facilitate moving the canister into the payload container chamber, the payload container may also comprise a gas vent. The gas vent opens into the chamber at the closed end and opens at an external site to of the payload container. As the canister is moved into the chamber, the air within the chamber can escape through the gas vent, thus allowing the canister to move into the chamber within experiencing an airlock or other increase in air pressure that would otherwise resist the canister.

The gas vent may extend toward the open end and be configure to couple to an air house outlet of a pneumatic delivery system. In such cases, the pneumatic delivery system may eject the canister from the payload container by pushing air through the gas vent and into the closed end of the payload canister chamber. The canister is ejected into a tube of the pneumatic delivery system, where it can be moved through the tube to another location for delivering items within the canister.

It will be realized that the systems previously described are only examples that can be practiced from the description that follows, and it is provided to more easily understand the technology and recognize its benefits. Additional examples are now described with reference to the figures.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an example payload container 100 is illustrated. As will be further discussed, payload container 100 may be configured to mate with a terminal end of a tube, which will be further described, and receive a canister, as will be illustrated and discussed. Payload container 100 may be permanently or removably coupled to a UAV, as will be illustrated and discussed.

Regarding payload container 100 of FIG. 1, payload container 100 comprises a cylindrical outer wall 102. Cylindrical outer wall 102 has open end 104 and closed end 106. Cylindrical outer wall 102 surrounds chamber 108. In some aspects, closed end 106 comprises a rounded portion, e.g., a rounded end. The rounded end may have a concave inner wall within chamber 108. The rounded end of closed end 106 may form void 103 within chamber 108. As previously noted, while depicted as cylindrical, a payload container may take the form of another shape.

Payload container 100 further comprises gas vent 110. As illustrated, gas vent 110 is external to outer wall 102. It will be appreciated that gas vent 110 may also be, in whole or in part, integrated within outer wall 102, or may be positioned internal to outer wall 102 and within chamber 108.

In the example illustrated by FIG. 1, gas vent 110 comprises first gas vent opening 112 and second gas vent opening 114. First gas vent opening 112 is located at closed end 106. Second gas vent opening 114 is located at open end 104. First gas vent opening provides fluid access between chamber 108 and gas vent 110. Second gas vent opening 114 provides fluid access between gas vent 110 an area external from cylindrical wall 102. By providing fluid access, it is meant that a fluid, such as air or a liquid, may pass through. Thus, in this way, air within chamber 108 may flow from chamber 108 into gas vent 110 through first opening 112, pass through gas vent 110 and flow from gas vent 110 to an area external from cylindrical wall 102.

Payload container 100 of FIG. 1 also comprises bumper 116. In general, bumper 116 dampens an opposing force experienced by an object, such as a canister, when pressed against bumper 116. Bumper 116 may comprise a rubber, foam, or synthetic polymer. In an implementation, bumper 116 comprises a magnet configured to attract to a magnet associated with a canister, wherein the magnet secures the canister within payload container 100. In a particular aspect, bumper 116 comprises a material having a shore harness of equal to or less than 85 on the Shore A scale. In addition to, or in lieu of these materials, bumper 116 may comprises a spring or other mechanical feature that absorbs force over a distance. As illustrated, a suitable location for bumper 116 is at the closed end and positioned at about a center of chamber 108, as measured inward from cylindrical outer wall 102, illustrated in FIG. 1 using theoretical dot—dash line 118. In aspects where there is void 103, bumper 116 may be positioned, in whole or in part, within void 103. That is, at least a portion of bumper 116 is within void 103.

Referencing now FIG. 2, another view of the payload container 100 of FIG. 1 is provided. Payload container 100 is illustrated as holding canister 200 with chamber 108.

In this example, canister 200 is held in place by one or more retaining member, such as any one or more of retaining members 120A and 120B. It will be recognized that other aspects of payload container 100 may include only one retaining member, or may include more than the two illustrated. As illustrated, retaining members 120A and 120B are located at open end 104 of payload container 100.

Retaining members 120A and 120B may have a bias toward the center (illustrated in FIG. 1 using theoretical dot—dash line 118) of chamber 108 of payload container 100 as defined by cylindrical outer wall 102. To bias retaining members 120A and 120B toward the center, payload container 100 comprises bias members, such as bias member 122, which is best illustrated in association with retaining clamp 120B. As an example, bias member 122 is a spring, but it could be any material having elastic properties that exerts a force on retaining clamp 120B in the direction of the center of chamber 108.

As illustrated, canister 200 also comprises lip 202. Lip 202 in general is a location where canister 200 is held within payload container 100 by retaining members 120A and 120B. In this case, lip 202 circumferentially extends around canister 200 at a first end. Lip 202 could be located at an end cap of canister 200. Extending circumferentially is beneficial because the allows canister 200 to be held by retaining members 120A and 120B regardless of the radial orientation in which canister 200 is placed within payload container 100. In some aspects, canister 200 comprises second lip 204 on a second end of the canister that is opposite the first end. As illustrated, canister 200 comprises second lip 204, which is located at a second end of the canister opposite a first end having lip 202. Second lip 811 is beneficial in that it allows retaining members 120A and 120B to hold canister 802 in place within chamber 108 of payload container 100 regardless of the directional orientation in which canister 200 is placed within payload container 100.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3C, an example operation of payload container 302 receiving canister 310 from example pneumatic delivery system 300 is provided. Pneumatic delivery system 300 is illustrated as comprising tube 304. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example method for engaging payload container 302 with tube 304 in a manner that facilitates movement of canister 310 from tube 304 into payload container 302.

Payload container 302 is configured to engage tube 304. By configured to engage, it is meant that payload container 302 is positioned relative to tube 304 so that a canister, such as canister 310, illustrated in FIG. 3C, may pass from tube 304 into payload container 302 or from payload container 302 to tube 304. In some cases, payload container 302 comprises payload container seal 305 at the open end. Payload container seal 305 generally seals or at least partially seals the engagement between payload container 302 and tube 304 so that air pressure can be adjusted within tube 304 and payload container 302. Among other locations, payload container seal 305 may be positioned on an inside surface of an outer wall associated with payload container 302, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. In another case, payload container seal 305 may be positioned on terminal edge of the open end of payload container 302. The terminal edge may be an exposed surface of the outer wall between the inside surface and an outside surface. In another aspect, the seal is positioned on the outside surface of the outer wall at the open end of payload container 302. Payload container 302 may engage tube 304 by releasably coupling to tube 304 at the open end. Payload container 302 may engage tube 304 by being positioned so that an opening of the open end is aligned with tube opening 307, which may be a terminal opening in particular aspects. In the example illustrated by FIG. 3A, the open end of payload container 302 is configured to engage tube 304 by mating to external surface 308 of tube 304. In this case, the outer wall of payload container 302 is positioned around external surface 308 of tube 304.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of how payload container 302 may engage tube 304 in this manner. In one example, payload container 302 engages tube 304, such that the engagement seals a connection between payload container 302 and tube 304, thereby allowing pressure to be increased and decreased within payload container 302 and tube 304. In an implementation, payload container 302 engages tube 304 in a manner that does not depress one or more retaining members 306 of payload container 302. In this configuration, the system is ready to transfer canister 310 from tube 304 to payload container 302, and in doing so, canister 310 pushes through one or more retaining members 306. This prevents canister 310 from rebounding back out of payload container 302, since one or more retaining members 306 will secure canister 310 back towards the center of payload container 302 when canister 310 moves through tube opening 307 and an outer edge of payload container 302. FIG. 3C illustrates canister 310 being moved to a position within payload container 302 from tube 304 after payload container 302 has engaged tube 304. One or more retaining members, such retaining member 306 secures canister 310 within payload container 302.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, gas vent 312 may engage air tube 314 when payload container 302 engages tube 304. As illustrated, a second opening of gas vent 312 engages air hose 314 to provide fluid access between gas vent 312 and air hose 314. This allows air to pass from within payload container 302, through gas vent 312, and into air hose 314. Similarity, air can be passed from air hose 314, though gas vent 312, and into payload container 302. In some cases, gas vent 312 can be equipped with a valve that releases air within payload container 302 to an area external from payload container 302. Thus, as canister 310 enters payload container 302, air within the chamber of payload container 302 can escape through gas vent 312 to an area external to the canister. As canister 302 approaches and enters payload container 302, the air within payload container 302 is moved out through a first opening of gas vent 312. In another example, air pressure is reduced on the same side as the direction of movement, in this case, the side opposite tube opening 307. To do so, air may be pulled out using air hose 314, which reduces air pressure within payload container 302, thereby moving canister 310 from within tube 302 to within payload container 302.

Gas vent 312 further permits air from air hose 314 to flow into payload container 302. This is beneficial because it allows forced air from air hose 314 to enter payload container 302 at the closed end so as to move canister 310 from within payload container 302 to within tube 304 (as will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C), but reduces back pressure into air hose 314 when canister 310 is moved from within tube 304 to within payload container 302, during which the air from within payload container 302 is moved out through gas vent 312.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4C, the figures illustrate payload container 302 providing canister 310 to example pneumatic delivery system 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C. The figures illustrate an example of payload container 302 engaging tube 304 in a manner that facilitates removal of canister 310 from payload container 302 into tube 304. In this example, payload container 302 comprises within it canister 310. Payload container 302 engages tube 304. In FIG. 4A, payload container 302 is disengaged from tube 304. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, an outer edge of payload container 302 engages tube 304 by externally sliding over external surface 308 of tube 304. A lip of tube 304, in this example, depresses one or more retaining members 306 against a bias, thereby releasing canister 310 from being secured within payload container 302 by one or more retaining members 306. Using pneumatic methods described throughout this disclosure, canister 310 may be moved from within payload container 302 to within tube 304 based on the depression of one or more retaining clamps 306 by tube 304, as illustrated by FIG. 4C.

For instance, canister 302 may be placed within tube 304 so that it moves through tube 304 using air pressure. Canister 310 can be moved by increasing air pressure on the side of canister 302 opposite the direction of movement through tube 304.

Further, canister 310 may be positioned within payload container 302. This might occur after a delivery, such as a delivery by a UAV having payload container 302, an example aspect of which will be described in more detail. To move canister 310, air may be pushed through air hose 314 by using an air compressor. This increases air pressure within payload container 302 at the end of canister 310 opposite the movement, which in this case, is out of payload container 302 and into tube 304, and away from tube opening 307. In another aspect, air pressure is decreased in the same direction of the movement, e.g., the air pressure of tube 304 is decreased to facilitate movement of canister 310 out of payload container 302 and through tube 304, away from tube opening 307.

One benefit of the particular example configuration illustrated by FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 4A-4C is that the same tube can be used by payload container 302 for receiving canister 310 from tube 304 (as in FIGS. 3A-3C) and for providing canister 310 to tube 304 (as in FIGS. 4A-4C) based on a position of payload container 302 relative to tube 304. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, payload container 302 is in a first position relative to tube 304. In the first position, retaining members, such as retaining member 306, are in a locking position due to their bias, meaning that canister 310 is locked within payload container 302 by the retaining members as container 302 enters into a chamber of payload container 302. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, payload container 302 is in a second position relative to tube 304. In the second position, the retaining members, such as retaining member 306, are depressed against the bias by tube 304. Here, the retaining members are in a releasing position, which permits canister 310 to move from a position within the chamber of payload container 302 to a position within tube 304.

Additionally, a method of manufacturing a payload container, such as those previously described, is provided. One example method includes forming a cylindrical outer wall. The cylindrical outer wall may be formed from a synthetic polymer, including a synthetic plastic material. A few examples among many suitable for use include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Synthetic polymers may include thermoplastics. Using a thermoplastic, the outer wall of the payload container can be molded from the thermoplastic. In some cases, synthetic polymers can be extruded, injection molded, or three-dimensionally (3D) printed. The method may further include closing one end of the outer wall. Closing one end of the outer wall may similarity be done by molding, extruding, 3D printing, and so forth. This can be done via a separate process or as part of the same process as forming the outer wall. Each may be separate components that are combined, e.g., by welding, or may be integrally formed. All of such examples can be used to form a payload container having the cylindrical outer wall with a closed end and an open end.

The method of manufacture can include forming a gas vent of the payload container. Any of the described methods can be used to form the gas vent. The gas vent may be formed of the same materials as other components of the payload container, including the outer wall or closed end. The gas vent may be formed in the same process as the outer wall or closed end, or may be formed using a different process and coupled to the other components of a payload container. Welding can be used to couple the components. In another example, for instance, those using molding of thermoplastics, injection molding, 3D printing, and the like, the gas vent may be formed as part of the same process and integrally part of other components of the payload container. Forming the gas vent may include creating a first opening through the outer wall and into the gas vent, where the first opening is created at the closed end. For instance, the first opening can be formed by removing part of the outer wall, such as drilling the hole, or creating the opening by forming the outer wall around the opening. Forming the gas vent may include creating a second opening from the gas vent to an area external to the outer wall. Similar methods can be used to create this opening, which include forming the gas vent to have a tube-like structure, where the second opening is at the end of the tube-like structure. The tube-like structure can facilitate the passage of air through the tube between the first opening and the second opening.

The method of manufacture may include positioning a bumper within a chamber of the payload container. In a specific case, the bumper is positioned at the closed end of the payload container. The bumper may be positioned within a void created by a rounded closed end. Positioning the bumper within the chamber may include coupling the bumper to an inner surface of payload container within the chamber.

The method of manufacture may include coupling one or more retaining clamps on the payload container at the open end. In a specific case, the one or more retaining clamps is coupled to the inner surface of the payload container. A bias member can be added to the one or more retaining clamps to bias all or a portion of the one or more retaining clamps toward a center of the chamber of the payload container.

Any of the pneumatic systems and canisters, in any combination, can be employed in conjunction with a UAV to facilitate delivery. One method of using a pneumatic system comprises navigating a UAV having coupled to the UAV a payload container. For instance, payload container 100 is one suitable example payload container that can be employed with a UAV.

To illustrate, FIG. 5 provides an example of UAV 500 comprising payload container 502. Any payload container described herein may be used as payload container 502. In the example illustrated by FIG. 5, payload container 502 is coupled to UAV 500 on a bottom side of UAV 500. However, payload container 302 may be located at any point on UAV 500 and in any position or orientation. In some cases, payload container 502 is integrated within a fuselage or another part of UAV 500. In an implementation, payload container 502 is not a separate element from UAV 500, but is a void integrated in the UAV fuselage.

An aspect of payload container 502 comprises a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end and providing fluid access between a chamber of payload container 502 and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of payload container 502, the second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and the air hose. In some cases, payload container 502 also comprises a bumper within the chamber at the closed end. Payload container 502 might also comprise one or more retaining clamps at the open end. As illustrated, payload container 302 comprises within its chamber canister 504, and as such, UAV 500 can deliver canister 504 using payload container 502. Payload container 502 may be used to retrieve or provide canister 504 from a pneumatic delivery system, as will be further described.

A method of delivery using UAV 500 is also provided. UAV 500 may be positioned so that an open end of payload container 302 is positioned proximate a tube opening from which a canister, such as canister 504, may be received. By proximate, it is meant that the open end of payload container 502 may be positioned about equal to or less than 6 inches from the tube opening. In cases where transfer arm of the pneumatic system is used, payload container 502 of UAV 500 may be positioned at a distance equal to or less than a length of the transfer arm. In a particular example, the open end of payload container 502 of UAV 500 is configured to couple to the tube opening. Some payload containers may include a gas vent. In some configurations, the gas vent will couple to an air tube of the pneumatic system.

Once positioned, a canister, such as canister 504, may be received by the pneumatic system and received within payload container 502. As canister 504 is received within payload container 502, air within payload container 502 may escape at an end opposite the open end by moving from within payload container 502 through the gas vent and out of an outer wall of payload container 502. If payload container 502 also comprises retaining members, canister 504 may be retained within payload container 502 by the retaining members.

FIG. 5 illustrates UAV 500 having payload container 502 having received canister 504 for delivering items within canister 504. After having received canister 504 within payload container 502, UAV 500 may navigate away from the pneumatic delivery system, including the pneumatic delivery tube from which it received canister 504. In some cases, canister 504 will contain an item for delivery, and UAV 500 navigates away from the pneumatic delivery system to begin the delivery of the item.

In some cases, UAV 500 is delivering an item to a pneumatic delivery system. For instance, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, UAV 500 comprises payload container 502 coupled to UAV 500, and illustrated within payload container 502 is canister 504, which can be delivered from or to a pneumatic delivery system. By coupled to, it is meant payload container 502 may be permanently affixed or releasable affixed to UAV 500, or may be integrally formed as part of UAV 500.

The method may include UAV 500 positioning payload container 502 proximate a tube opening of a pneumatic delivery system in the manner previously described, including positioning the open end of payload container 502 proximate the tube opening of the pneumatic delivery system, at a distance about equal to or less than a transfer arm of the pneumatic delivery system, or a position where the open end of payload container 502 is coupled to the tube opening of the tube of the pneumatic delivery system. In some cases, a gas vent of payload container 502 is coupled to an air hose of the pneumatic delivery system.

After positioning payload container 502 of UAV 500, canister 504 is released from within payload container 502. Retaining members can be actively moved to a non-retaining position by UAV 500. In some cases, retaining members are passively moved to a non-retaining position. For instance, retaining members can be moved against their bias mechanically by interaction with the pneumatic delivery system. That is, a portion of the pneumatic delivery system may engage retaining members by positioning of UAV 500, such that the engagement exerts a force on the retaining members against their bias, thereby releasing canister 504 from payload container 502. In some cases, releasing canister 504 includes canister 504 moving to a position out of payload container 502 of UAV 500.

In an example, canister 504 is released from and moved out of payload container 502 using air pressure. For instance, the air hose of the pneumatic delivery system may force air into payload container 502 at a location corresponding to an end of canister 504 opposite an end of canister 504 corresponding to the open end of payload container 502. This could be at a closed end of payload container 502. By forcing air into the end of payload container 502 opposite the opening end, canister 504 is moved from within payload container 502, through the opening end of payload container 502, and to the pneumatic delivery system. Container 504 can be released directly into the tube opening or released and positioned by the pneumatic delivery system into the tube opening, such as by using a transfer arm, canister funnel, or other like mechanism.

Some examples of the method of delivering canister 504 from or to a pneumatic delivery system using UAV 500 and payload container 502 are illustrated and described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 4A-4C.

With reference now to FIG. 6, an example pneumatic delivery system 600 having a depressed landing platform 604 for UAV 622 to align payload container 626 for delivery of a canister to or from pneumatic delivery system 600 is provided. In this example, pneumatic delivery system 600 comprises tube 602. Tube 602 comprises a tube wall and a channel extended through the tube wall, wherein the tube is configured to move a canister through the channel.

Pneumatic delivery system 600 is further illustrated as comprising depressed landing platform 604. Depressed landing platform 604 comprises landing platform void 608 formed by a depression in a landing platform surface 606. The depression forms void 608. In the example illustrated, landing platform surface 606 slopes inward in a direction from an edge of landing platform surface 606 to an inner area, such as the center, of landing platform surface 606. While the slope of landing platform surface 606 forms a pyramid structure, it will be recognized that the depression formed by landing platform surface 606 may take the form of any shape. The pyramid structure illustrated has particular benefits in that it comprises four sloped sides that make up landing platform surface 606, and as such, a UAV, such as UAV 622, may land anywhere on landing platform surface 606 and is then moved toward the center of landing platform surface 606, as will be further discussed.

In some cases, depressed landing platform 600 comprises bottom fluid opening 616. Bottom fluid opening 616 may extend from void 608 and through depressed landing surface 606. This allows liquid to be moved away from depressed landing surface 606.

As illustrated, landing platform surface 606 comprises surface opening 618. Surface opening 618 corresponds with tube opening 610 of tube 602. That is, when depressed landing platform 604 is in some positions, tube opening 610 aligns with surface opening 618 or tube opening 608 is positioned at least partially within void 608 by extending tube 602 at least partially through surface opening 618. Put another way, depressed landing platform 604 may be positioned or moved to a position where tube opening 610 opens within void 608.

In some cases, tube opening 610 is at a terminal end of tube 602, as illustrated in FIG. 6, being located at a termination end of tube 602. In FIG. 6, the position of depressed landing platform 604 is such that, at the terminal end of tube 602, tube opening 610 at least partially opens within void 608 of depressed landing platform 604.

The particular example of FIG. 6 illustrates pneumatic delivery system 600 as comprising actuation member 620. As illustrated, actuation member 620 is coupled to tube 602 at a first actuation member end and coupled to depressed landing platform 604 at a second actuation member end. Actuation member 620 is configured to move between a first actuation member position and a second actuation member position. In FIG. 6, the direction of movement between the first actuation member position and the second actuation member position is represented by arrow 630. Actuation member 620 can generally be any device capable of moving depressed landing platform 604 or a portion thereof. For instance, actuation member 620 may be a linear actuation member. Actuation member 620 may comprise a hydraulic system; a mechanical actuator, including those using screw, wheel and axle, or cam actuators; a pneumatic system; an electromechanical system, including those using roller screw designs; and so forth.

In one particular scenario, when actuated, actuation member 620 moves depressed landing platform 604 relative to tube 602 and tube opening 610. For instance, moving depressed landing platform 604 changes the position of tube 602 and tube opening 610 relative to landing surface opening 618. In one case, tube opening 610 is outside of void 608 in a first actuation member position. In a second actuation member position, tube opening 610 opens within void 608 in the second actuation member position. This is beneficial because it can permit a canister entry from void 608 to tube 602 by way of tube opening 618. In another aspect, second actuation position places tube opening 618 partially within the void, while in others, tube opening 618 is positioned wholly within void 608. Actuation member 620 can be used to position tube opening 618 or an external surface of tube 602 relative to a payload container of a UAV so that one or more retaining clamps can be depressed when retrieving a canister or not depressed when delivering a canister, as has been described.

Working in conjunction with pneumatic delivery system 1100, and in particular with depressed landing platform 604, is UAV 622 picking up a canister from or delivering a canister to pneumatic delivery system 600. To do so, UAV 622 is illustrated as comprising landing gear 624 shaped congruent with the depression formed by landing platform surface 606. For instance, one or more pieces of landing gear, such as landing gear 624 can be formed into or arranged so that the shape of the one or more pieces of landing gear is in the shape of the depression or arranged in the shape of the depression. As illustrated in FIG. 6, both landing gear 624 and landing platform surface 606 take the shape of a pyramid. Said differently, landing gear 624 may take a similar shape to the depression formed by the landing platform surface 606, such that UAV 622 or landing gear 624 can at least partially fit within void 608 when picking up or delivering a canister to tube 602 of pneumatic delivery system 600.

In operation, UAV 622 navigates to landing platform 604 and orients an open end of payload container 626 in the direction of tube opening 618. UAV 622 may descend in the direction of landing platform surface 606. Upon making contact with landing platform surface 606, UAV 622 comes to a rest in a position determined by the shape of landing platform surface 606 and landing gear 624. In general, the position may be the same for each landing regardless of the location in which UAV 622 makes contact with landing platform surface 606. This allows UAV 622 to have less accuracy from landing to landing, and reduces the intricate movements needed to land in a same position each time. Thus, for instance, UAV 622 may make contact with landing platform surface 606 at a first location and, based on the shape of landing platform surface 606 and landing gear 624, UAV 622 comes to a rest at a landing location. When UAV 622 makes contact with landing platform surface 606 at a second location that is different from the first location, UAV 622 still comes to a rest at the same landing location because of the shape of landing platform surface 606 and landing gear 624.

Once UAV 622 has landed on landing platform surface 606 and come to rest at the landing location, actuating member 620 can be moved to position depressed landing platform 600. Depressed landing platform 604 can be moved from a first position to a second position where tube opening 618 opens within void 608. In this position, the open end of payload container 626 may be in a position to facilitate release of a canister into tube opening 618, or accepting a canister from tube opening 618 using any of the mechanism described herein.

After the canister has been released within tube opening 618 or accepted from tube opening 618, UAV 622 may navigate away from depressed landing platform 600.

The subject matter of the present technology is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

For purposes of this disclosure, the word “including” or “having” has the same broad meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, words such as “a” and “an,” unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, include the plural as well as the singular. Thus, for example, the constraint of “a feature” is satisfied where one or more features are present. Furthermore, the term “or” includes the conjunctive, the disjunctive, and both (a or b thus includes either a or b, as well as a and b).

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this technology is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects described above, including other advantages that are obvious or inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the described technology may be made without departing from the scope, it is to be understood that all matter described herein or illustrated the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Some example aspects that can be practiced from the forgoing disclosure include:

Aspect 1: A pneumatic delivery system comprising: a tube; a tube opening at a terminal end of the tube; an air hose comprising an air hose outlet located at the terminal end of the tube; and a payload container comprising: an open end and a closed end, the open end configured to couple to the terminal end of the tube, the payload container further comprising a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end of the payload container and providing fluid access between a chamber of the payload container and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of the payload container and configured to couple to the air hose outlet, the second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and the air hose.

Aspect 2: Aspect 1, further comprising a bumper within the chamber and located at the closed end of the payload container.

Aspect 3: A pneumatic delivery system comprising: a tube comprising a tube wall and a channel extended through the tube wall, wherein the tube is configured to move a canister through the channel; a tube opening through the tube wall; and a depressed landing platform comprising a landing platform void formed by a depression in a landing platform surface of the depressed landing platform, wherein the landing platform surface comprises a surface opening corresponding to the tube opening.

Aspect 4: Aspect 3, wherein the tube opening is at a terminal end of the tube.

Aspect 5: Any of Aspects 3-4, further comprising an actuation member, the actuation member coupled to the tube at a first actuation member end and coupled to the depressed landing platform at a second actuation member end, the actuation member configured to move between a first actuation member position and a second actuation member position.

Aspect 6: Any of Aspects 3-5, wherein the tube opening is outside of the void in the first actuation member position and the tube opening opens within the void in the second actuation member position.

Aspect 7: Any of Aspects 3-6, wherein the depressed landing platform further comprises a bottom fluid opening within the void.

Aspect 8: Any of Aspects 3-7, further comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising landing gear shaped congruent with the depression of the depressed landing platform.

Aspect 9: Any of Aspects 3-8, wherein the UAV further comprises a payload container with an open end configured to couple to the tube opening.

Aspect 10: A pneumatic delivery system comprising: a tube; a tube opening at a terminal end of the tube; an air hose comprising an air hose outlet located at the terminal end of the tube; and a payload container comprising: an outer wall; an open end and a closed end, the open end configured to couple to the terminal end of the tube; and a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end of the payload container and providing fluid access between a chamber of the payload container and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of the payload container and configured to couple to the air hose outlet, the second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and the air hose.

Aspect 11: Aspect 10, wherein the payload container further comprises a payload container seal positioned at the open end on an inside surface of the outer wall, the payload container seal configured to seal an engagement between the tube and the payload container.

Aspect 12: Any of Aspects 10-11, wherein the closed end is rounded to form a void within the chamber.

Aspect 13: Aspect 12, wherein the payload container further comprises a bumper within the void of the chamber at the closed end.

Aspect 14: Any of Aspects 10-13, wherein the payload container further comprises a magnet at the closed end.

Aspect 15: Any of Aspects 10-14, wherein the payload container further comprises a retaining member at the open end.

Aspect 16: Aspect 15, wherein the retaining member is biased toward a center of the chamber defined by the outer wall.

Aspect 17: Any of Aspects 10-16, wherein the outer wall of the payload container is a cylindrical outer wall.

Aspect 18: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system comprising: a UAV; and a payload container coupled to the UAV, the payload container comprising: an outer wall; an open end and a closed end; and a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end and providing fluid access between a chamber of the payload container and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and an area external from the outer wall.

Aspect 19: Aspect 18, wherein the closed end of the payload container is rounded to form a void within the chamber.

Aspect 20: Aspect 19, wherein the payload container further comprises a bumper within the void of the chamber at the closed end of the payload container.

Aspect 21: Any of Aspects 18-20, wherein the payload container further comprises a magnet at the closed end.

Aspect 22: Any of Aspects 18-21, wherein the payload container further comprises a retaining member at the open end, the retaining member having a bias toward a center of the chamber defined by the outer wall. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A payload container for delivering items, the payload container comprising: an outer wall surrounding a chamber, the outer wall having a closed end and an open end; and a gas vent comprising a first gas vent opening located at the closed end and providing fluid access between the chamber and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening located at the open end, the second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and an area external from the outer wall.
 2. The payload container of claim 1, wherein the closed end is rounded to form a void within the chamber.
 3. The payload container of claim 2, further comprising a bumper within the void of the chamber at the closed end of the payload container.
 4. The payload container of claim 1, further comprising a magnet at the closed end of the payload container.
 5. The payload container claim 1, further comprising a retaining member at the open end of the payload container.
 6. The payload container of claim 5, wherein the retaining member is biased toward a center of the chamber defined by the outer wall.
 7. The payload container of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is a cylindrical outer wall.
 8. A pneumatic delivery system comprising: a tube; a tube opening at a terminal end of the tube; an air hose comprising an air hose outlet located at the terminal end of the tube; and a payload container comprising: an outer wall; an open end and a closed end, the open end configured to couple to the terminal end of the tube; and a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end of the payload container and providing fluid access between a chamber of the payload container and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of the payload container and configured to couple to the air hose outlet, the second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and the air hose.
 9. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 8, wherein the payload container further comprises a payload container seal positioned at the open end on an inside surface of the outer wall, the payload container seal configured to seal an engagement between the tube and the payload container.
 10. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 8, wherein the closed end is rounded to form a void within the chamber.
 11. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 9, wherein the payload container further comprises a bumper within the void of the chamber at the closed end.
 12. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 8, wherein the payload container further comprises a magnet at the closed end.
 13. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 8, wherein the payload container further comprises a retaining member at the open end.
 14. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 13, wherein the retaining member is biased toward a center of the chamber defined by the outer wall.
 15. The pneumatic delivery system of claim 8, wherein the outer wall of the payload container is a cylindrical outer wall.
 16. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system comprising: a UAV; and a payload container coupled to the UAV, the payload container comprising: an outer wall; an open end and a closed end; and a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end and providing fluid access between a chamber of the payload container and the gas vent, and a second gas vent opening providing fluid access between the gas vent and an area external from the outer wall.
 17. The UAV system of claim 16, wherein the closed end of the payload container is rounded to form a void within the chamber.
 18. The UAV system claim 17, wherein the payload container further comprises a bumper within the void of the chamber at the closed end of the payload container.
 19. The UAV system of claim 16, wherein the payload container further comprises a magnet at the closed end.
 20. The UAV system of claim 16, wherein the payload container further comprises a retaining member at the open end, the retaining member having a bias toward a center of the chamber defined by the outer wall. 